Banyana Banyana squad prepares for Olympic qualifiers
Banyana will be preparing to take on Tanzania over two legs in the third round of the qualifiers for the Paris Games.
Banyana Banyana's Nicole Michael celebrates scoring a goal in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso on 4 December 2023. Picture: @Banyana_Banyana/X
JOHANNESBURG - An extended Banyana Banyana squad will gather in the next few days ahead of their upcoming Olympic qualifiers.
Coach Desiree Ellis has emphasised the need to have training sessions focused on the goalkeeping department in what will be a big year for the team. As such, Banyana will have a goalkeeper training camp at the High Performance Centre that will run from 9-11 February 2024 before the rest of the group assembles for their camp from 12-17 February 2024.
"Goalkeeping is really an important component of the team and sometimes it’s neglected in terms of specialised coaching and that’s why we have this camp. The training camp is for the local-based players, the players abroad are currently playing," Ellis said.
Six goalkeepers have been invited to take part, including Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Katlego Moletsane, Dineo Magagula, Victoria Muroa and 18-year-old Dimakatso Ntsieane from Ixias FC in Welkom.
Banyana will be preparing to take on Tanzania over two legs in the third round of the qualifiers for the Paris Games. Victory will see them move on to the final round of qualifying where they’ll play either Nigeria or Cameroon for one of the two places that are guaranteed for African teams.
A squad of 24 local-based players will assemble for a preparation camp in Johannesburg on 12 February 2024 before Ellis trims it down to the list that will travel to Tanzania, where they will be joined by the overseas-based players.
The games against Tanzania are on 19 and 28 February.
Banyana Banyana squad for the 2024 third-round Olympic qualifiers and preparation camp:
GOALKEEPERS:
Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
Katlego Moletsane (Royal AM)
Dineo Magagula (TS Galaxy)
Victoria Muroa (TUT FC)
Dimakatso Ntsieane (Ixias FC)
DEFENDERS:
Karabo Dhlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Noko Matlou (SB Eibar, Spain)
Fikile Magama (The University of the Western Cape)
Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC)
Tiisetso Makhubela (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Lonathemba Mhlongo (The University of the Western Cape)
Lebohang Ramalepe (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
MIDFIELDERS:
Kholosa Biyana (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Refiloe Jane (Sassuolo, Italy)
Linda Motlhalo (Racing Louisville, USA)
Nomvula Kgoale (TS Galaxy)
Sphumelele Shamase (University of Johannesburg)
Amogelang Motau (The University of the Western Cape)
Thalea Smidt (University of Pretoria)
Lesego Nkoane (TS Galaxy)
Thubelihle Shamase (University of Johannesburg)
FORWARDS:
Nicole Michael (TS Galaxy)
Gabriela Salgado (JVW)
Samkelisiwe Selana (TS Galaxy)
Noxolo Cesane (The University of the Western Cape)
Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Wendy Shongwe (University of Pretoria)
Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies)
Jermaine Seopesenwe (Monterrey, Mexico)
Hildah Magaia (Mazatlan FC, Mexico)
Thembi Kgatlana (Tigres UANL, Mexico)